OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in public recognition of parabens on Twitter and the research status of parabens related to toothpaste. METHODS: Tweet information between 2010 and October 2016 was collected by an automatic web crawler and examined according to tweet frequency, key words (2012-October 2016), and issue tweet detection analyses to reveal changes in public recognition of parabens on Twitter. To investigate the research status of parabens related to toothpaste, queries such as “paraben,”“paraben and toxicity,”“paraben and (toothpastes or dentifrices),” and “paraben and (toothpastes or dentifrices) and toxicity” were used. RESULTS: The number of tweets concerning parabens sharply increased when parabens in toothpaste emerged as a social issue (October 2014), and decreased from 2015 onward. However, toothpaste and its related terms were continuously included in the core key words extracted from tweets from 2015. They were not included in key words before 2014, indicating that the emergence of parabens in toothpaste as a social issue plays an important role in public recognition of parabens in toothpaste. The issue tweet analysis also confirmed the change in public recognition of parabens in toothpaste. Despite the expansion of public recognition of parabens in toothpaste, there are only seven research articles on the topic in PubMed. CONCLUSIONS: The general public clearly recognized parabens in toothpaste after emergence of parabens in toothpaste as a social issue. Nevertheless, the scientific information on parabens in toothpaste is very limited, suggesting that the efforts of dental scientists are required to expand scientific knowledge related to parabens in oral hygiene measures.
Oral Hygiene ; Parabens* ; Toothpastes*

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between oral health-related quality of life and adult attachment type among college students. Methods: A total of 557 self-administered questionnaires were collected from undergraduates in Jeonbuk. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. The results were analyzed using t-tests, analyses of variance, Duncan’s multiple range tests, correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses. Results: The results of this study showed that sex and age were significant factors according to the analysis of the oral health-related quality of life in terms of general characteristics. The variable that had the greatest effect on the oral health-related quality of life was attachment anxiety, followed by age, sex, and attachment avoidance. Conclusions Education and counseling to promote safety of adult attachment will improve the oral health-related quality of life for college students.

PURPOSE: Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and the major metabolic pathway of ADMA is enzymatic degradation via dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolasease (DDAH). In this study, we hypothesized that an elevated cavernosal ADMA level might result from poor DDAH activity in the corpus cavernosum. We examined whether ADMA was accumulated in our atherosclerotic rat model of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (VED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve 12-wk-old Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped in either the atherosclerosis group (AS, n=6) or the control (n=6) group. The AS group received a 1% cholesterol diet for 6 weeks and the rats were also treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (3mg/ml) for the initial 2 weeks. The control group received a normal diet. Six weeks later, all the rats were anesthetized with urethane (1.6g/kg) and cavernous electrostimulation was done under continuous arterial and cavernosal pressure monitoring (6V, 0.5ms, 20Hz, 50sec). The methylarginine level in both the AS group and the control group was measured respectively. Also, the NOS activity and DDAH activity in the corpus cavernosum were evaluated. RESULTS: Upon cavernous electostimulation, the peak intracavernosal pressure (ICP) of the control group was 88.5+/-5.5mmHg (n=6). In contrast, the peak ICP level was markedly reduced in the atherosclerotic group to 54.2+/-4.8mmHg (n=6, p<0.001). The cavernosal level of ADMA in the control group was 320.5+/-23.6micrometer and it was 860.7+/-34.7micrometer in the AS group. The constitutive NOS activity in the rat corpus cavernosum of the AS group was markedly reduced compared to the control group. Also, the cavernosal DDAH activity was reduced in the AS rats and the activity showed significant negative correlation with the cavernosal ADMA level. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have demonstrated that the dysregulation of DDAH activity may be one of the causes of decreased NOS activity in atherosclerotic erectile dysfunction.
Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; Cholesterol ; Diet ; Erectile Dysfunction* ; Male ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Models, Animal* ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Urethane

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the composition of artificial cariogenic biofilms using a Streptococcus mutans biofilm model over a period of time. METHODS: We analyzed the dry weight, colony forming unit (CFU) number, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) biovolume, and acid production rate of S. mutans biofilms formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs after 26 h, 50 h, 74 h, 98 h, 171 h, and 195 h. In addition, we performed a laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy to determine the bacterial volume, EPS biovolume, and biofilm thickness. We calculated the biofilm density using dry weight and EPS biovolume. RESULTS: Over a period of time, there was no change in the CFU number and acid production rate of S. mutans biofilms, but there was an increase in the dry weight and EPS biovolume of S. mutans biofilms. The bacterial volume, EPS biovolume, and biofilm thickness only increased in the 50-h-old biofilm; however, no change was observed in 50-195-h-old biofilms. In addition, an increase in the biofilm density was observed over time. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the acid production ability of cariogenic biofilms does not change, but the biofilm density increases over time. However, due to scientific information, further research needs to be conducted in the field of dentistry to get further insights on the progression of cariogenic biofilms over time.
Biofilms ; Dentistry ; Durapatite ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Stem Cells ; Streptococcus mutans

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of blood flow restriction and different support surfaces for bridge exercises on the thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus, which are trunk-stabilizing muscles. METHODS: The study's subjects were 45 adults who were divided into three groups that performed bridge exercises over a six-week period on their respective support surfaces after blood flow restriction. Changes in the thickness of the subjects' transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles were measured using ultrasonography before the experiment, then three and six weeks after the experiment. The changes in each variable over time were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The transverse abdominis showed significant differences in muscle thickness with regard to time and the interaction between time and each group (p<0.05), but no significant differences with regard to changes among groups (p>0.05). The multifidus showed significant differences in muscle thickness with regard to time, the interaction between time and each group, and changes between groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Blood flow restriction and different support surfaces for bridge exercises led to significant differences in the thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus. This study's results may be used as the basis for future studies and for rehabilitation in clinical practice.
Adult ; Exercise ; Humans ; Muscles ; Paraspinal Muscles ; Rehabilitation ; Ultrasonography

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of carbonated drinks on acid production in Streptococcus mutans biofilm. Methods: Fifty one hour-old S. mutans biofilms were formed on hydroxyapatite discs. After selecting of the carbonated drinks (Coca cola, Coca cola zero sugar, Sprite, Sprite zero sugar, and Fanta), as well as negative (water) and positive (1% sucrose) controls for this study, glycolytic pH drop assay was performed using the S. mutans biofilms. The influence of the test agents on acid production of the 51 h-old biofilms was determined by the initial production rate and final concentration of protons, calculated using the pH values at 0-30 min and 120 min, respectively. Results: The pH values of the carbonated drinks ranged from 2.4 to 3.1. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and the negative control maintained the pH of acid produced by S. mutans biofilms above the critical pH. The sugar-added carbonated drinks and the positive control decreased the pH below the critical pH due to the acid production of S. mutans biofilms. Overall, sugar concentration in carbonated drinks was closely related to acid production in S. mutans biofilm. Conclusions These results suggest that sugar-added carbonated beverages should be considered for their role in dental erosion and dental caries, while non-sugar-added carbonated beverages should emphasize their role in dental erosion rather than dental caries.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive measurements that relate to the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis have long been sought for clinical screening of patients with chest pain syndromes and for use in clinical trials. Intima-media thickeness (IMT) of the carotid artery has been suggested to be associated with coronary artery atherosclerosis. In this study, we tried to assess the relation of carotid artery atherosclerosis by B-mode ultrasonography with presence and severity of coronary artery disease. METHOD: We studied 57 patients (36 men, 21 women) with ischemic heart disease, mean age 65+/-8 yrs (48 to 83 yrs), who underwent both coronary angiography and carotid ultrasonography with 10 MHz transducer. The patients who had received revascularization procedure were excluded. We classified the patients into two groups, the control group without significant coronary stenosis (18 patients) and the coronary artery disease (CAD) group (39 patients) with significant luminal stenosis (> or =50%). The CAD group was divided into single vessel disease group (SVD, 19 patients) and multivessel disease group (MVD, 20 patients). IMT was measured in far wall of common carotid artery (CCA) at 10 mm proximal to carotid bulb and abnormal IMT was defined if the measurement was greater than mean IMT+2SD of control group. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), Lipoproteinp (a)(Lp(a)) were measured and history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were investigated. RESULTS: A significant difference in IMT of the CCA was found between control and CAD group (0.76+/-0.09 mm vs. 0.97+/-0.20 mm; p<0.0001). Also a significant difference in the number of atherosclerotic plaque was found between the two groups (control; 0.67+/-1.14 vs. CAD; 1.87+/-1.75; p<0.005). In the CAD group, both mean IMT and numbers of athero-sclerotic plaque tended to increase in MVD group compared with SVD group (1.03 mm vs. 0.91 mm; p=NS, 2.65 vs. 1.05; p<0.05). The sensitivity of IMT for prediction of significant CAD was 66.7%, the specificity 83.3%, the positive predictive value 89.7%, and the negative predictive value 53.6%. The sensitivity of plaque presence on the carotid artery for prediction of CAD was 71.8%, the specificity 61.3%, the positive predictive value 80.3% and the negative predictive value 50.5%. Among risk factor, diabetes mellitus and Lp (a) were correlated well with IMT of CCA, Hypertension was correlated with atherosclerotic plaque. History of smoking was correlated with coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: Increases in IMT and plaque of the carotid artery, as measured noninvasively by ultrasonography, can be used as a predictor of significant coronary artery stenosis.
Atherosclerosis ; Carotid Arteries* ; Carotid Artery, Common ; Chest Pain ; Cholesterol ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Coronary Stenosis* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Lipoproteins ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Phenobarbital ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic* ; Risk Factors ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Transducers ; Triglycerides ; Ultrasonography

Large pituitary adenomas causing Cushings disease are uncommon, and usually present with mild manifestations of Cushings syndrome. Large adenomas may have rapid growth and quickly reach a size large enough to become clinically apparent. These tumors are more frequently invasive than microadenomas, their widespread extensions make radical surgical removal difficult and the ultimate clinical course malignant. We report a case of 37 year-old women presenting amenorrhea, weight gain, and moon face. Sellar magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) demonstrated a large lobulating tumor measuring 3.5cm in diameter, arising from sella turcica, extending up to suprasellar area and invading the cavernous sinuses. Transfrontal adenectomy was performed to remove a mass, but residual mass was remained after surgery. Subsequent external brain radiotherapy(total dose 5400cGy) was performed. Histology revealed an adrenocorticotrophin(ACTH) secreting pituitary adenoma. After treatment, her menstration was started, body weight was reduced, and moon face was disappeared.
Adenoma ; Adult ; Amenorrhea ; Body Weight ; Brain ; Cavernous Sinus ; Female ; Humans ; Pituitary Neoplasms* ; Radiotherapy* ; Sella Turcica ; Weight Gain

A 6-year old boy was admitted with high fever and redness of the right eyelids and the surrounding area. He had previously suffered cerebral contusion, basal skull fracture and pneumocephalus following a traffic accident which required six months' hospitalization. Since then, and prior to admission, he had twice suffered probable bacterial meningitis and had been treated at an outstanding hospital. At the time of this admission, the patient again developed high fever, with redness of the right eyelid and surrounding area. His symptomatology suggested bacterial meningitis and cerebrospinal fluid culture revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae sensitive to penicillin. In accordance with the clinical course of meningitis and accompanying sinusitis, the appropriate antibiotic and its duration of usage were determined. Recurrent episodes of bacterial meningitis in this child raised the possibility of anatomical defect as an a contributory factor. Computerized tomographic(CT) cisternography suggested leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and revealed herniated frontal brain tissue protruding through a gap in the right frontal skull base, three dimensional CT(3-D CT) confirmed this defect, which was 3X4cm in size. After recovery from meningitis, surery to prevent recurrent meningitis, was performed. To locate pathologic areas, the subfrontal approach,involving bicoronal skin incision and bifrontal bone flap was used. Multiple fracture lines and a large bony defect on the orbital roof were observed, together with a dural defect, through which cerebromalatic tissue was herniated as encephalocele. Using lyophilized dura, the dural defect was made watertight; the bony defect was packed with autologous fats and covered with titanium mesh. The patient improved after surgery. Recurrent meningitis with anatomical pathologic focus after head trauma requires surgical intervention.
Accidents, Traffic ; Brain ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Child ; Contusions ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Encephalocele ; Eyelids ; Fats ; Fever ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Male ; Meningitis* ; Meningitis, Bacterial ; Orbit* ; Penicillins ; Pneumocephalus ; Sinusitis ; Skin ; Skull Base ; Skull Fractures* ; Skull* ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; Titanium

Multidirectional coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We report an adult patient who underwent open-heart surgery for TOF 24 years before the discussed presentation. Coronary angiogram and cardiac computed tomography revealed multidirectional CAFs originating from the left main coronary artery and draining to the left atrium, pulmonary artery and subphrenic artery. The patient also showed additional congenital anomalies, such as persistent left superior vena cava and right-sided aortic arch.
Adult* ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Arteries ; Arteriovenous Fistula ; Coronary Vessels* ; Fistula* ; Heart Atria ; Humans ; Pulmonary Artery ; Tetralogy of Fallot* ; Vena Cava, Superior